GSPCA warning of the dangers of treating cats not owned by themselves can lead to overdosing and other issues

The GSPCA has recently been contacted by an owner concerned someone is giving additional unnecessary treatment to her beloved cat.

Many cat owners allow their cats to enjoy the fresh air and freedom of Guernsey and although over 80% of island cats are microchipped few have collars due to concerns many owners have in regards their cats safety with the way their cats explore which can lead to members of public assuming they aren’t owned with no visible id.

The GSPCA has a number of bits of advice if you are concerned a cat might be a stray with the easiest popping on a paper collar with your details to determine if the cat is indeed owned which can be found by going to https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/lost-found-advice

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “With approximately 12,000 cats in Guernsey and many allowed the freedom to explore the island on a daily basis at the GSPCA we help those that are lost and found.”

“With the vast majority of cats they are well cared for and owners taking wonderful care for them and for this reason especially it is really important if a cat you think might be a stray not to start administering veterinary treatments as you have no history of the care of that cat.”

“If you are concerned a cat is either unowned or uncared for the GSPCA is always there to help and you can pop in, call us on 257261 or email [email protected] .”

“We also have a webpage full of advice which includes a template for a paper collar you can attach to cat that you are unsure if it is owned which you can find by going to o https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/lost-found-advice .”

“We have recently been contacted by a cat owner who was very upset when her beloved cat returned home with a chemical burn between its should blades which is likely to be some type of flea treatment.”

“Applying treatments to any animal without following the correct procedures can be more harmful that good and it is important if you feel a cat isn’t owned to try and find its owner before treating it, or at least contact ourselves for advice.”

"From allergies to previous treatments and overdosing, applying things such as flea treatments to cats you do not own can be extremely harmful."

Owner of the cat Kirsti Mahieu QANA, CertISFM said “Yesterday afternoon, my cat came home with a chemical burn in between her shoulder blades where a spot on flea treatment has been applied - it is definitely a chemical burn”

“My cat is treated every 4 weeks with flea tablets as she reacts to spot on so is not allowed them.”

“This is also overdosing her which can cause kidney failure.”

“It is extremely dangerous to medicate other people’s animals.”

Steve continued “Then person applying this treatment will likely have thought they were helping the cat rather than harming it, which is why we have felt it is extremely important to highlight the issue.”

“Any flea treatments you are always best speaking to professionals like your vets and following their guidance.”

“Any concerns it is a stray cat we are hear to help and it you have lost your cat you cat report it via our lost and found advice page.”

“If you cat comes home with any health concerns it is important to speak to your vets as soon as possible and for those wanting to learn about cat first aid we do run courses and you can find out more by going to http://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses with the next in November.”

For contact details of all the vets in Guernsey please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/links

If you would like to attend a Cat First Aid with the GSPCA then for details please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses.

The dates for the first aid courses are:

Dog First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 12th November 2024 - Ref - Dog 12/11

Cat First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 19th November 2024 - Ref - Cat 19/11

All first aid courses are a minimum £25 donation and you must book your place by 5pm before the course.

Within the sessions you get the chance to learn about what to do if you were faced with an emergency situation with your dog or cat.  All participants receive handouts, a few goodies and a certificate.

To book your place call 01481 257261 or pay via the paypal link below using the reference code so we are aware which you would like to attend - www.paypal.me/DonateGSPCA

To see more training course information please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Steve continued “From the Skipton Swimarathon to others, there are many ways to support our work with lots of ideas on our website www.gspca.org.gg or set up your own sponsored challenge by going to www.giving.gg or https://www.justgiving.com/gspca .”

“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”

“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “

“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “

“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”

"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."

“We also have loads of ways to support us and to donate in this link including information on our BIGGEST BUILD appeal  https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years .”

“To see a list of the many events coming up check out those below or on any of our latest blogs https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog “

“We couldn’t do so much without your support.”

Donate

Donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

BIGGEST BUILD APPEAL

The GSPCA have the BIGGEST BUILD APPEAL in our 150 year history and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggest-build-appeal

GSPCA Celebrates 150 years in 2023 and 151 years in 2024

This year the GSPCA celebrate 150 into 151 years and to find out more please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years

Sponsored Event

Why not create your own sponsored event or challenge - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

For lots more ideas why not visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising

Wish List

Check out our wish list page from the smallest of items to our biggest of projects there are many ways to support us - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list

To visit our Amazon Wish list to see some of the items we need to help the wildlife please visit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList

GSPCA Wildlife Hospital Appeal

To make a direct donation please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4618/Please-Support-the-GSPCA-Wildlife-Hospital-Appeal

To Buy a Brick in the new Wildlife Hospital and download a leaflet please click here - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Buy%20a%20Brick%20Wildlife%20Hospital.pdf

Larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner

Legacies & Bequests

By leaving a gift to the GSPCA in your Will really helps us to improve the lives of animals into the future.  After providing for those you care for, please consider leaving a proportion of what remains to the GSPCA it is so appreciated and makes a real lasting legacy.

A gift like this to the GSPCA ensures our animals and those in Guernsey will always have someone to keep them safe. To find out more please http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding 

Gift Aid on Donations over £500

To find out about the States of Guernsey tax relief information on gift aid up to 2020 on donations totalling between £500 and £5000 please see the details by going to https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2617&p=0

2021 gift aid is from £500 and up to £7500 and here are the details - https://www.gov.gg/article/151830/Income-tax-relief

To download the form to claim for 2020 or before please follow this link https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1994&p=0

Become a sponsor and GSPCA member

Why become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor and support our work each month please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf

To become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf  

Share our posts and follow us on social media

Many of you will have seen us on social media and your support liking and sharing our posts is really appreciated, and to visit our social media pages please go to

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GuernseySPCA

Twitter https://twitter.com/GSPCA

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gspca-guernsey-965b0751/

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To subscribe to our supporters newsletter and find out about upcoming events and news please go to https://us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9324335c87c8b3ec9f0016f2a&id=e61c951a08

Below are our usual opening times but these are occasionally adjusted to ensure we provide the best of care for the animals and those needing our 24/7 help, in an emergency please call 01481 257261

Upcoming Events we are at and need your help -  

Tuesday 10th September 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

Wednesday 2nd to Sunday 6^th October 2024 - Skipton Swimarathon - https://www.swimarathon.org/

October Half Term Tours – to be confirmed

Tuesday 5th November 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

Dog First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 12th November 2024 - Ref - Dog 12/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Cat First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 19th November 2024 - Ref - Cat 19/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Christmas Tours – to be confirmed

February 2025 Tours – to be confirmed

Easter 2025 Tours – to be confirmed

2025 – Dolphin Parade - https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/coming-guernsey-2025-dolphin-parade-thanks-gspca-autism-guernsey

Many more events will be added and dates to be confirmed and if you have any events or ideas to please get in touch…………..